2/9
People leaving the armed forces need more support than is offered.
Some have complex resettlement needs including mental health challenges & struggle to adapt to civilian life.
Many have non-mainstream qualifications & struggle to secure employment without practical help.
3/9
Most veterans are used to having a regimented structure to their lives & rules to follow.
In the absence of such structure, many dwell on their experiences & slip into despair; others turn to drugs, alcohol,or crime.
Employment helps, providing a support network & stability
4/9
Veterans who are suffering from diagnosed or undiagnosed PTSD make up a surprisingly high percentage of the prison population.
"10,000 UK armed forces veterans are in prison, parole or on probation." Liz Saville Roberts, Justice, Plaid Cymru
@LSRPlaid #PrisonersArePeople
5/9
Years ago politicians promised veterans a career in the prison service after discharge.
Unfortunately, those promises were not delivered; thousands of Armed Forces Personnel did come to prison - BUT not as officers, instead as prisoners themselves.
#PrisonersPeopleToo
6/9
In an average year more than 2,500 former members of the armed forces entered the prison system.
We urgently need an increase in the provision of support, counselling and structured career pathways for our armed forces leavers.
#SupportVeterans
7/9
Resettlement support and help to cope should not be left solely to those voluntary organisations, that do a fantastic job, but the military and regiments themselves should take a proactive approach in following up on individual progress at resettling into civilian life.
8/9
I am delighted to know my local SSAFA rep
“Phil, the CV’s, Disclosure Statements & Grant Funding letters that you have produced with ex-servicemen who have been to prison are absolutely FIRST CLASS! Well done.” Trevor Chrich Prison In-Reach Caseworker, SSAFA Buckinghamshire
9/9
Ex-seed are pleased to have signed the armed forces covenant & would respectfully urge all employers to do the same.
All veterans, whether they have been to prison or not, should know that they are welcomed by society & their needs will be supported.
https://t.co/jiROuPtiUI
